Royals Prince William Tells Joaquin Phoenix He's 'Glad' He Didn't Watch 'The Joker' Right Before Bed Kate Middleton and Prince William met stars such as Joaquin Phoenix and Renée Zellweger during their night out at the BAFTAs By Stephanie Petit Stephanie Petit Stephanie Petit is a Royals Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 3, 2020 10:59 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Prince William wants to avoid any royal nightmares! After dazzling on the red carpet and taking their front row seats for the awards show, the royal and wife Kate Middleton met some of the stars at Sunday’s prestigious BAFTA event at London’s Royal Albert Hall. While chatting with The Joker star and best actor winner Joaquin Phoenix, Prince William admitted that he “put off” seeing the film after getting some warnings. “Lovely to meet you,” William told the actor. “I absolutely loved The Joker. It was brilliant. I put it off and put it off before watching it, as people kept telling me ‘be careful when you choose to watch it.’ I’m glad I didn’t watch it before bed, but huge congratulations on an amazing performance.” Phoenix also had praise for the Queen’s grandson, who pointedly addressed the lack of diversity in the awards nominations at the awards show. “Thank you for your speech,” the actor told him. Jeff Gilbert/WPA Pool/Getty Prince William and Joaquin Phoenix. Jeff Gilbert/WPA Pool/Getty The royal couple rubbed elbows with other stars at the ceremony, with Kate spotted happily chatting with best actress winner Renée Zellweger on the stage. The mom of three also caught up with Andy Serkis and BAFTA winner Sam Mendes. See Kate Middleton’s Glamorous (and Sustainable) Re-Wear on the BAFTAs Red Carpet! BAFTA winner Renee Zellweger and Kate Middleton. Jeff Gilbert/WPA Pool/Getty Andy Serkis, Sam Mendes and Kate Middleton. Jeff Gilbert/WPA Pool/Getty The couple’s red carpet date night has become somewhat of a royal tradition in recent years, this time marking the fourth consecutive year they have attended the ceremony, and also William’s 10th anniversary as president. Not only did Kate look the part for the glamorous British Academy Film Awards, but she also obliged with their latest style guidelines, which encouraged guests to incorporate a message of sustainability into their fashion choices for the evening. All attendees were provided with a sustainable fashion guide this year that was created by the London College of Fashion’s Centre for Sustainability, asking guests to re-wear, rent or buy vintage — and Kate listened! Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the 2020 BAFTAs. Anthony Harvey/BAFTA/Shutterstock Can’t get enough of PEOPLE‘s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The gorgeous gold and white Alexander McQueen gown she chose was previously worn during a 2012 state dinner in Malaysia, where she accessorized it with a simple pair of golden earrings. The mom of three accessorized with a necklace and earrings from Van Cleef and Arpels — that cost over $15,000 — as well as gold Jimmy Choo heels.